Monday, May 21, 2007

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority will not operateregular fixed-route bus service, A-Ride paratransit, or Good As Gold seniortaxi services on Monday, May 28, 2007 in observance of the Memorial Dayholiday. Regular bus, paratransit and senior taxi services will resume onTuesday, May 29.

Passengers may take advantage of AATA's Holiday Ride shared-ride taxiservice on Monday for just $5 a person. Seniors and persons withdisabilities with an AATA identification card may ride for $2.50.

The Holiday Ride taxi service operates only within the city limits of AnnArbor. To schedule a Holiday Ride trip, call 734.528.5432.

AATA will close its offices at 2700 South Industrial Highway and the Blakeand Ypsilanti Transit Centers on Monday, May 28, in observance of MemorialDay.

The three facilities will re-open for business on Tuesday, May 29.

Expect continued erratic postings while the housekeeping staff settles into their new home. We'd love to hear from anyone interested in conributing posts to cfa2 as well.

Monday, May 07, 2007

According to Metromode, the Coalition for Mass Transit is optomistic about the million dollar Federal grant that they applied for. They are also considering adding stops in Hamburg and Saline.

Other juicy details include:

A three-car passenger train would make six trips during the morning rush hour and another six trips in the afternoon/evening rush hour. Each stainless steel bi-level car could carry between 500 to 600 people per trip. A train would take about 20 minutes one way, saving commuters about 45 minutes in transport time, officials say.

It is estimated the cost to passengers could be kept in line with what they pay for gas. The city also has an enthusiastic partner in Great Lakes Central Railroad, which is willing to set up the service and provide the trains.

Friday, May 04, 2007

The housekeeping staff as been consumed with preparations for a return to Michigan from the Far East. As a result, we forgot to remind everyone that May is Curb your Car Month.

The getDowntown program has a great list of events over the next 25 days, like urban cycling skills workshop, lunchtime river walks, class on building your own bike light... too many great things to mention. Check out the calendar for details.

Also, it's not too late to get your company signed up for the Commuter Challenge. Over 60 groups are already signed up! It's a great way to get co-workers to try a carfree commute and a great way for our community to quantify the possibilities of a non-SOV commute.

Metafilter, the 21st century's fountain of common knowledge and folk wisdom, has a thread full of good tips on getting new shoes to be comfortable. The advice focuses on leather shoes with a lot of DIY and purchase-alternative ideas. It seems that just about any household item, from soap to vodka, will soften shoe leather. However, there isn't much info on the damage that these "softeners" might do to your nice shoes. Highly recommended for anyone who walks in shoes!